Sheltering in Petaluma

<p>We, as a community, are in the midst of an unprecedented global crisis. Our lives have been turned upside down in ways that we never imagined, and yet there is a palpable vibration of extreme connectedness that is surfacing as a result. Not unlike the rolling hills that surround our town, our emotions are rising and falling hourly as we navigate our daily lives in ways that we did not before. But, the fear that accompanies the unknown has also brought anticipation of the good that will meet us on the other side. Recent years have brought about a crescendo of conversation about being connected. Now, in the midst of isolation, we are recognizing what that truly means. Being forced to separate has given space to empathy and with that an awareness of each other and how our very own presence impacts each other's lives. This is a perfect recipe for understanding how to not just talk about connectedness but actually get connected. In ways like no other, Petaluma has come together to get creative in isolation while supporting each other out in the community. This project hopes to amplify the sheltered experiences of our local community during this time, allowing us to look back and remember that, while each of us navigated it differently, we all were in it together. In this audio exhibition, and in their own voices, participants tell the stories of their lives and how they are reacting to the mandatory shelter orders set in place during the crisis. Each episode is a curated and short selection of those stories. Listen to the daily thoughts, stories, sounds, and hopes of our Petaluma community.</p>

Stay Home

We all spend a lot of time at home - but during the shelter in place, most of us have been spending ALL of our time at home. In this episode, we hear from several Petalumans on how things have been going as they spend most of their time at home.

05-14
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Outside

In Petaluma, being outside is a big part of life. This episode explores how people are getting outside after being mostly inside for two months. Several Petalumans have sent in Voice Memos about how they manage to enjoy the outside while still being socially distant.

05-21
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Alone

Many households in Petaluma are dealing with having everyone at home all the time. For some Petalumans who live alone, the adjustment has been different. While the isolation at home feels familiar - the lack of connection with others can be a challenge.

05-28
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Education

This year, students didn't come back from Spring Break. They finished their semester via distance learning. In this episode, we hear how the changes to education impacted families, teachers, and students.

06-04
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Protest

Despite public health concerns about large groups, over 200 Petaluma youth organized a protest march against racial injustice and police brutality. In this episode, we hear from one of the organizers and another attendee about why they organized during the shelter in place order.

06-11
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Opening

After three months of being under the Sonoma County Shelter in Place order, more businesses are starting to open up. That is a big change, but one with its own challenges. In this episode, we hear from one business owner who is preparing to welcome back her clients and another Petaluman who has been working the entire time.

06-18
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Food

How and where to get food has been a common challenge for some Petalumans while sheltering in place. Now that many restaurants are opening up, we hear from one Petaluman who usually loves to cook, but that has changed during the shutdown. Another voice is from a restaurant owner who stayed open the entire time, changing how she serves food.

06-25
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la Pandemia (en español)

Latinos in Petaluma are a vital part of the community. When the Shelter in Place order went into effect, many were designated as essential workers and working from home was not an option. Many sacrificed connection with their families and communities of faith. In this episode, we share three stories of Petalumans trying to stay healthy and safe without the luxury of staying home. This episode presents stories in Spanish without an English translation.

07-02
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la Pandemia

Latinos in Petaluma are a vital part of the community. When the Shelter in Place order went into effect, many were designated as essential workers and working from home was not an option. Many sacrificed connection with their families and communities of faith. In this episode, we share three stories of Petalumans trying to stay healthy and safe without the luxury of staying home. This episode presents stories in Spanish with English translation.

07-02
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Wrap-Up

For this final episode of Sheltering in Petaluma, previously unheard stories are shared as well as thoughts from producer and host, Andy Sewell. When the project initially began, Petalumans were heading into what was anticipated to be the final month of a three month shut down. Now, as the podcast comes to a close, a second shutdown is just beginning.

07-09
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